Rugby Pathways & Performance Lead

Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union Football Club Inc (Vikings Rugby); Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union Football Club Inc (Vikings Rugby) is seeking a dedicated Strength and Conditioning practitioner to lead athletic development across senior and pathway players. You will design and deliver programs, align with rugby objectives and partner with coaches, medical staff and schools to support player readiness.

Ideal candidates hold sport science qualifications, experience with adolescent athletes, and a track record in injury prevention, testing, and data-driven

Qualifications

• Relevant strength and conditioning qualifications, or equivalent demonstrated capability, supported by practical program-design and delivery experience.
• Experience preparing athletes for rugby or another comparable team sport.
• The ability to develop adolescent athletes through age-appropriate physical preparation.
• Experience using physical assessments and individual development goals to guide training.
• The ability to collaborate with coaches and medical professionals on player preparation, rehabilitation and reconditioning.
• Strong planning, recordkeeping and communication skills.
• A commitment to safe, inclusive and development-focused environments.
• Availability for evening training, weekend matches and agreed school or pathway activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of strength and conditioning programs for Vikings senior and pathway players.
• Develop coordinated offseason, preseason and in-season programs aligned with the club’s rugby objectives and training schedules.
• Tailor programs to players’ age, training experience, position, physical capabilities and development needs.
• Deliver practical coaching in exercise technique, strength, speed, conditioning and physical preparation.
• Conduct physical testing and maintain records to assess progress and inform programming.
• Work with team coaches to integrate athletic performance activities into rugby training.
• Monitor training loads, recovery and player wellbeing using available resources.
• Coordinate supplementary strength and conditioning staff, students and volunteers.
• Coordinate match-day physical preparation and recovery activities as agreed with the Head Coach.
• Work collaboratively with medical staff, physiotherapists and coaches to support player readiness and availability.
• Deliver and monitor rehabilitation and reconditioning activities within the position’s qualifications and in accordance with clinical guidance.
• Coordinate players’ progression back into team training in consultation with treating practitioners and coaches.
• Maintain timely information on injury status, rehabilitation progress and training availability.
• Provide regular availability updates to relevant coaches and team managers.
• Identify emerging physical preparation or workload concerns and coordinate an appropriate response.
• Support consistent preparation, recovery and injury-management processes across club teams.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with private and public schools, particularly those serving Tuggeranong and the wider Canberra region.
• Work with school rugby coaches, sports coordinators and teachers to identify opportunities for rugby participation, skills development and physical preparation.
• Design and deliver school-based rugby sessions, clinics and development activities in partnership with schools and the Director of Coaching.
• Establish a clear pathway connecting school rugby, Vikings development programs and senior club participation.
• Build trusted relationships with prospective players and their families, maintaining regular contact throughout their development.
• Help players understand training expectations, preparation habits and progress into senior rugby.
• Work with coaches to provide appropriate opportunities for pathway players to participate in club training and development activities.
• Support boys’ and girls’ pathways into Vikings men’s and women’s rugby.
• Coordinate physical preparation support for school leavers transitioning into Vikings senior teams.

Skills

Strength & Conditioning

Program design

Athlete development

Interpersonal skills

GPS monitoring

Coaching rugby

Education

Sport Science degree

Tools

GPS systems

Job description

Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union Football Club Inc (Vikings Rugby) is seeking a dedicated Strength and Conditioning practitioner to lead athletic development across senior and pathway players. You will design and deliver programs, align with rugby objectives and partner with coaches, medical staff and schools to support player readiness.

Ideal candidates hold sport science qualifications, experience with adolescent athletes, and a track record in injury prevention, testing, and data-driven